Session will feature chief executives from N5 Sensors, Curie Dx and Balance Theory, moderated by TEDCO’s Teddy Gresser
COLUMBIA, Md., (August 18, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces the “Built in Maryland: What It Really Takes to Build Here” session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026.
The session will bring together Therese Canares, CEO of CurieDx, a Baltimore health-tech company building an AI-driven mobile diagnostics tool for patients and clinicians; Abhishek Motayed, CEO of N5 Sensors, a Rockville-based startup using AI-powered smart sensors to detect environmental hazards; and Greg Baker, CEO of Balance Theory, a Fulton-based company that helps cybersecurity leaders align spending with strategic priorities — for a conversation moderated by Teddy Gresser, senior director at TEDCO.
Maryland produces world-class science, technology and entrepreneurs; the state ranks first in the nation for median tech occupation wages ($126,467, according to CompTIA’s 2025 State of the Tech Workforce report), and its life sciences sector alone supports more than 54,000 jobs per Milken Institute data. But building a startup anywhere comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. In this session, founders who chose to build their companies in the State will share candid stories from the front lines — raising capital outside the major venture hubs, turning local research into real companies, hiring talent, landing early customers and navigating the ecosystem.
“Retaining companies in Maryland as they grow is central to what TEDCO does, and the founders on this panel have lived that decision,” said Gresser. “Hearing directly from them about what worked, what didn’t and what they would tell someone starting out is invaluable for anyone building here.”
The discussion moves beyond the pitch deck to explore what it takes to build and scale a company in Maryland and why these founders chose to stay. That decision tracks with the data: the Washington, D.C. region, anchored by Maryland’s cyber corridor, is the world’s top market for cybersecurity talent, commanding a 5% global share according to CBRE’s 2024 Global Talent Spotlight, and the Biohealth Capital Region spanning Maryland, Virginia and D.C. now ranks third nationally among biopharma clusters, per Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.
TEDCO’s award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Attracting more than 1,170 attendees, the event collects some of the region’s top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, one of the top 20 best cities for entrepreneurs, offering a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and inspiring connections.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the region’s top experts, including keynote guests Anirban Basu, Tamla Olivier and TEDCO’s very own Troy LeMaile-Stovall; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.